Paris attack is 'direct hit on music,' says U2's Bono as reports recall the Bataclan's history of Islamic threats

By targeting the Bataclan, suicide bombers picked an epicenter of Parisian culture.

By targeting the Bataclan, suicide bombers not only picked an epicenter of Parisian culture, but fired a "direct hit on music," Irish singer Bono says.

The majority of victims slain and wounded during Friday's massacre were music fans enjoying an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the historic venue, the U2 frontman pointed out to an Irish radio station.

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"If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans," Bono told RTE 2 FM. "This is the first direct hit on music that we've had in this so-called War on Terror, or whatever it's called."

Members of the Irish rock band U2 — Bono, David Howell Evans and Adam Clayton — lay flowers at a tribute to the victims of the Paris terror attacks, outside the Bataclan theater. (MALTE CHRISTIANS/EPA)

The venue was recently sold by a Jewish family who had been threatened in the past for hosting pro-Israel events.

The theater's lush history spans 150 years of vaudeville, cinema and modern entertainment. A Jewish family of Tunisian descent acquired the historic venue nearly 40 years ago before selling off the Bataclan in September, according to Israeli reports.

"We're devastated because we knew everyone who worked there," former co-owner Pascal LaLoux told Israel's Channel 2 after learning of the attack from a former employee who called amid the gunfire.

A French terrorist with ties to a Gaza Strip-based group, the Army of Islam, allegedly confessed to planning an attack against the Bataclan because "the owners are Jews."

While the eight suicide bombers associated with the Islamic State did not explain their motive in targeting the Bataclan during Friday's horrific slaughter, the assault was essentially an attack on "the soul of the city," another member of the LaLoux family anonymously told the New York Times.

The scattered bombings in central Paris reverberated through the entertainment industry's stake in France after it claimed 129 lives at the Bataclan and during a string of bombings outside a soccer game and at nearby restaurants.

A French policeman walks with a blood-covered victim near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris on Friday night. (PHILIPPE WOJAZER/REUTERS)

The deadly theater rampage started with a hail of gunfire at the Eagles of Death Metal concert. In the video, fans were witnessed hanging out of the Bataclan's windows as gunfire erupted inside.

Concertgoers fled the venue dragging their friends to safety, leaving a trail of blood. The suicide bombers then detonated their explosive vests — killing a total of 89 at the venue.

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Fencing blocks the entrance to the Bataclan venue Saturday morning after a night of violence killed 89 people at the historic music hall. (JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images)

French authorities canceled large gatherings throughout Paris including the U2 concert, that would have been streamed to HBO, fearing another attack.

The group was rushed back to their hotel during a rehearsal as the attacks unfolded. Bono was left shaken by Friday's events as he watched the news from a Paris hotel. He and his bandmate later paid tribute to the victims by leaving flowers at a growing memorial site outside the Bataclan.

The Foo Fighters ended their world tour early after the Paris massacre. They would have performed in Bercy. (Scott Legato)

He understands why French authorities would cancel U2's performance in the wake of the attacks.

"It's very upsetting," Bono added. "These are our people. This could be me at a show, you at a show, in that venue. It's a very recognizable situation for you and for me and the coldblooded aspect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that's what I can't get out of my head."

A concert in Bercy would have brought members of the Foo Fighters to the French stage Sunday, but the Paris massacre nixed that plan and their world tour. The Dave Grohl-led group made the decision to end its concerts in Bercy, Turin, Lyon and Barcelona in the wake of Friday's bloodshed.

"It is with profound sadness and heartfelt concern for everyone in Paris that we have been forced to announce the cancellation of the rest of our tour," the band wrote in a statement Saturday. "In light of this senseless violence, the closing of borders, and international mourning, we can't continue right now. There is no other way to say it. This is crazy and it sucks."

Pop singer Madonna battled a decision to go forward with a Saturday night in Stockholm, deciding ultimately to perform and tribute to France by singing "La Vie En Rose" with an acoustic guitar.